Gift card box

ABSTRACT

An integrated gift box and card featuring a box container and a lid for removably attaching to the box container to cover the box container. The gift box container is preferably attractively decorated and the lid includes a card portion having at least one flap hingedly mounted to the lid to move between an underlying indicia receiving surface covering position and an underlying indicia receiving surface exposing position.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated gift card and gift box combination.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gifts are presented for a number of reasons and far a wide variety of occasions. People present gifts, for example, to significant others on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, and the Holidays. Commonly, a gift is wrapped or presented in an attractive container to surprise and/or enhance the effect. Typically, a gift giver will have a special relationship to the gift recipient, e.g., husband and wife, parent and child, etc. In special circumstances the gift recipient may wish to preserve the gift wrap or box as a keepsake. The care evidenced in the selection of a gift container or wrap in the recipient's favorite color or theme may prove significant to both the giver and receiver. Future encounters with the gift box may trigger memories and reflections about the special time at which the gift was given.

Typically a gift giver selects a decorative gift wrap that is used to cover a product, box, or other container for the dual purpose of concealing the content and providing a decorative/festive appearance. To achieve a neatly presented gift wrapped package requires skill, discipline, and patience, qualities rarer in some persons than others. Although prepackaged pre-decorated gift bags and gift box assemblies are now relatively commonplace, some gift givers prefer to provide a personal touch to the gift being given. A personal touch/effort by the gift giver is evidenced by personal hand-wrapping of a gift, a task that is infinitely more difficult for some than others.

For the “wrapping challenged” the task of wrapping any gift may result in both stress to the gift giver and a less than desirable appearance due to wrapping technique flaws. As such, the experience of the gift transfer may be diminished. In connection with the aesthetic considerations, the risk of mis-coordination significantly increases when a gift card and a gift box are purchased separately, in time or place. To achieve matching, a gift giver may be forced to shop at multiple destinations. To overcome such difficulties, many gift wrapping kits are now available which provide gift paper/bag/box with coordinated ribbons and cards.

Common practice is for a gift giver to provide a note or card with a gift. Typically that card or note will include words and/or illustrations personal to the gift recipient and may include words introducing the gift or words of gratitude. A combination of personalized words accompanying an attractively packaged gift serves to enhance the gift giving and gift receiving experience. To provide the gift recipient with such an experience, the gift giver may write a desired note directly on the gift box or gift wrap containing the gift or may attach a card or note to the decorative exterior. Such common methods present several problems, however. For instance, the note may not be legible, as the decorative paper with which the box is wrapped is sometimes colorful and is not readily adapted to highlight writing. Thus, such writing may not be clearly visible. Further, writing on the decorative exterior of a gift wrapped package may detract from its attractiveness.

Affixing with tape or glue a note or card can damage the exterior of the container (gift wrap, gift bag or gift box) upon removal. It is also not uncommon for a gift note or card to become separated from the gift leaving the recipient to guess about its origins. Another problem may reside in the aesthetics of the card or note selection. Mismatched colors and themes will detract from the attractiveness of the package, as the stationary may not be of the same color or pattern as the decorative paper on the box.

Regardless of prior efforts, problems of color or thematic coordination, gift and card separation, and packaging damage from affixing a card to the package exterior are still extant.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the foregoing problems with the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective gift box and gift card in an integrated, unitary, and attractive package.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, manageable, gift presentation solution for a gift giver.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a secure enclosure for a gift, while simultaneously allowing a gift giver to provide a written expression of words to the gift recipient.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an attractive integrated gift box and gift card.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a convenient method of providing a gift box and gift card.

An advantage of the present invention is that it allows a gift giver to present a color-coordinated gift box and gift card.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be presented for a variety of occasions.

The above-referenced objectives and advantages are satisfied by an integrated gift box and card featuring a box container and a lid for removably attaching to the box container to cover the box container. The lid includes a card portion comprising a combination of a relatively flat, indicia-receiving surface overlayable by at least one movable flap member mounted to the lid for moving between a first, indicia-receiving surface covering position and a second, indicia-receiving surface exposing position. Preferably, the lid incorporates a ribbon member that may be tied in a decorative bow above the movable flap member so as to secure, itself or assist in securing, the flap member in the indicia-receiving surface covering position. The at least one movable flap member also serves as a protective cover to the indicia-receiving surface and may be a seal against adverse ambient environmental factors (excess moisture, etc.), that can degrade the surface and/or indicia recorded thereon. The movable flap member, being structurally integrated with the lid, preferably is coordinated with any attractively decorated pattern, textures, and or colors present on the box, the lid, and, any associated tie or ribbon members.

In at least one embodiment, the invention comprises the combination of a box container, securable covering lid, and a gift card integrated with the lid. The box container base is selected to possess dimensions corresponding with and complementary to a particular gift. The lid is complementarily dimensioned to fit on and be removable from the box container and includes an indicia receiving card portion integrated thereon. The card portion comprises at least one pivotally mounted leaf movable to selectively cover the indicia receiving card portion and to expose that portion to view. Where there is a plurality of movable leaves, they may exhibit selected planar geometries so as to co-act to operably fold over and cover the indicia receiving portion. That embodiment may also include a coordinated ribbon or tie affixed to the box lid that secures the movable leaves in the closed or covering position.

In another embodiment, the gift may include a tie or ribbon member integrated with the gift box portion such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,757 to the inventor hereof, where that integrated tie or ribbon member serves to secure the movable leaves in the covering position on the lid and to secure the lid to the box base container.

Clearly, the invention herein provides an expedient to the gift wrapping challenged, in the form of a decorative gift box combination that permits maximum design/decoration selection and artistic flexibility while minimizing the risk of aesthetic selection errors (color, texture, thematic, etc.)

As used herein “substantially,” “generally,” “relatively,” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which is shown by way of illustration to the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The following illustrated embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes based on presently known structural and/or functional equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same element or function throughout.

FIG. 1 is a photoprint of a top view of an integrated gift card box according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a photoprint of a side view of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a photoprint of a bottom view of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a photoprint of a top view of the open gift container bottom portion of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a photoprint of a top view of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a photoprint of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1 with one cover flap open to expose a part of the underlying writing surface.

FIG. 7 is a photoprint of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1 with three of the four cover flaps open to expose a substantial area of the underlying writing surface.

FIG. 8 is a photoprint of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1 with all four cover flaps opened to expose the entire underlying writing surface.

FIG. 9 is a photoprint of a bottom view of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1 with all four cover flaps opened.

FIG. 10 is a photoprint of a perspective bottom view of the lid of the integrated gift card box of FIG. 1 with all four cover flaps opened.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein is directed to an integrated gift box and gift card combination and method for using the combination. The illustrated embodiment depicts a decorative gift card box 100 established by mating of a rigid and strong lid 112 over and onto a dimensionally complementary rigid and strong base container 114. The gift box lid 112 and container 114 typically are formed from heavy sturdy rigid cardboard but may be formed of any appropriately strong and rigid material. The lid and container feature a covering of a layer of decorative sheeting material bonded preferably to all surfaces. The decorative sheeting material preferably is uniform in color, texture, patterning and theme but may feature different, but complementary and coordinated material. Preferably the material is a decorative paper giftwrap but may be formed from a decorative plastic sheeting material heat shrunk onto the lid and container surfaces.

The lid has formed thereon an indicia receiving card surface 120, in the case, the surface 120 is substantially coextensive with the planar dimensional area defined by the upper surface of the lid 112. The composition of the surface 120 may differ from the other material to enhance its longevity. In other words, the indicia bearing surface may be composed of higher quality, alkaline (acid-free) paper that resists deterioration.

As is readily observable in the depicted embodiment, preferably the colors, tone, pattern, texturing and theme of the gift card box exterior are congruent. Thus, the patterning incorporated in the indicia receiving surface, although considerably lighter, almost to the extent of a watermark, continues with the more pronounced patterning and coloration of the gift card box exterior.

Hingedly mounted about the periphery of the surface 120 are four flaps 122, 124, 126, and 128. In this multiple flap embodiment, the individual flaps are dimensioned to cooperate to completely cover the indicia receiving surface 120 to both protect that surface and to conceal any written or illustrated content written or printed thereon until the flaps are pivoted from the surface 120 to expose any content written thereon. So long as the flaps coordinate to cover the surface 120, the particular configuration or shape of each of the respective flaps is a design choice and may incorporate two or three dimensional features consistent with the gift card box theme. For example, the flap 122 of FIGS. 5-10 includes a design element of a Christmas tree. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated four flap integrated card embodiments but contemplates any number of flaps (e.g., one to eight) that serve the function and purpose hereon. So long as the flaps are able to completely cover the indicia receiving surface, the gift card box designer/artist is provided maximal flexibility in selecting the precise number, geometries, and thematic expression of the flaps.

The illustrated embodiment also contemplates the inclusion and integration of complementary decorative adjuncts such as the illustrated ribbon 116. The ribbon 116 is tiable over the flaps to secure the flaps over the surface 120. In addition to decorative adjuncts, the flaps may also include separable interlock assist features disposed on one or more of the flaps such as releasable tacky adhesive or Velcro® type elements. Also, the perimeters of the flaps may incorporate preservation features such as moisture or oxidation resistant barriers that enhance the long-term survivability of the indicia/message recorded on the surface 120.

The gift card box 100 preferably includes both a gift box container 105 for allowing the gift giver to package a gift to be sent to the gift recipient and a lid 110 for removably attaching to the box container 105 to cover the box container. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in at least one embodiment, the lid 110 includes a card portion 115 having at least one movable flap for opening to view an expression of words on the card portion 115.

The integrated gift card box 100 allows the gift giver to present a unitary, integrated, and attractive gift package to the gift recipient while conveying an expression of words to introduce the gift, for example. It should be noted that the term gift card as used herein, refers to a gift or greeting card and a card presented for other purposes as well (for example, an invitation card).

The gift card box 110 is illustrated as a rectangle but may be formed in any convenient shape such as square, pentagonal, or circular, etc.

Given the foregoing, it should be apparent that the specifically described embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, variations and modifications to the invention should now be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. These variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. An integrated gift box and card comprising a box container and a lid for removably attaching to the box container, said lid including an integrated card portion comprising a relatively flat, indicia-receiving surface overlayable by at least one movable flap member mounted to the lid for moving between a first, indicia-receiving surface covering position and a second, indicia-surface exposing position
 2. The integrated gift box and card of claim 1 further comprising a ribbon member tieable above the movable flap member so as to secure the flap member in the indicia-receiving surface covering position.
 3. The integrated gift box and card of claim 1 further comprising decoration of select pattern, texture, theme and color on said box container, and selected decoration on said lid and the at least one movable flap member being coordinated with the decoration on said box container.
 4. The integrated gift box and card of claim 3 further comprising second and third flap members pivotally mounted to said lid and adapted to co-act with said at least one movable flap member to conceal the indicia receiving surface.
 5. The integrated gift box and card of claim 1 where said at least one movable flap member includes a barrier element to seal the indicia-receiving surface against adverse ambient environmental factors
 6. A gift card box, comprising: a box container for receiving a gift; and a lid for removably attaching to said box container to cover said box container, said lid including a card portion having at least one movable flap for opening to view an expression of words on said card portion.
 7. The gift card box of claim 6, wherein said card portion includes a gift card.
 8. The gift card box of claim 6, wherein said card portion includes a pop-up card display.
 9. The gift card box of claim 8, wherein said lid includes a decorative ribbon or bow.
 10. The gift card box of claim 6, wherein said at least one movable flap is triangularly shaped.
 11. A gift card box, comprising: means for containing at least one item; means for covering said means for containing, said means for covering being completely detachable from said means for containing and including an indicia receiving portion; and pivotal flap means for moving between an indicia receiving portion covering position and an indicia receiving portion exposing position.
 12. The gift card box of claim 11 wherein the means for covering includes a decorative ribbon.
 13. A combination gift card box, comprising: a box container for receiving a gift; and a lid for removably attaching to said box container to cover said box container, said lid including a card portion having a generally planar base member positioned parallel to said lid and having movable leaves of a select shape and contour extending from said generally planar base member, said movable leaves operable to fold inwardly toward a central point on said generally planar base member, thereby allowing words on said planar base member to be covered or uncovered depending upon a position of said movable leaves.
 14. The gift card box of claim 13, wherein said generally planar base member includes at least two insert members of a select width for allowing a ribbon of a width smaller than said width of said insert members to extend therefrom, said ribbon crossing at least one of said movable leaves to secure said at least one movable leaf.
 15. The method of preparing a gift for presentation using a gift package assembly featuring a gift container, a gift container lid dimensionally complementary to the gift container with an indicia receiving surface and a flap element hingedly mounted to the container lid, the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting the integrated gift package assembly possessing desirable aesthetic qualities, b) placing a gift in the gift container; c) seating the gift container lid on the gift container, d) exposing the indicia receiving surface, e) placing indicia on the indicia receiving surface; and f) pivoting the hingedly mounted flap to conceal the indicia. 